A second senior councillor is bidding to become the new political leader of Brighton and Hove.

After Lynette Gwyn-Jones announced she was standing down in May as Brighton and Hove leader, it looked as if her Cabinet colleague Ken Bodfish would not be challenged as her successor.

But now Labour councillor Joyce Edmond-Smith has announced she will stand against him.

She said: "Standing as leader is not intended as divisive. On the contrary, I am keen the Labour group should operate in a more cohesive way. But a healthy democracy requires different views and choice.

"I would give clear and visionary political leadership. Too often it appears that officers run the council, with little or no political direction from elected members.

"I would make sure we use the talents of all group members so that we can operate effectively in a more informed and involved way.

"There must be better communication and more serious consideration of the party's views. Decisions must be more open and accountable to councillors and the public.

"We should maximise social, economic and environmental benefits to our communities through a more corporate approach.

"Sustainability must be integral to economic regeneration and community strategies. I would aim to free us from the disastrous commitment to incineration."

Coun Edmond-Smith said wherever possible she would look towards reinstating public control rather than pursuing private finance initiatives.

She added: "I believe I offer the necessary experience, vision and integrity to lead."

Coun Edmond-Smith is one of the longest-serving councillors.

But she has been at odds with the council leadership on some issues in recent years.

Coun Edmond-Smith stressed she had no personal animosity towards Coun Bodfish and voted for him at the last leadership election.

However, she said: "I think it very important there should be a contest and there are some issues I feel very strongly about."

Coun Bodfish, Cabinet councillor for regeneration, said: "It is perfectly proper that colleagues should seek to run the group but I hope that when members vote, they do so for me."